Identification Device, System And Method

ABSTRACT

An identification system includes an identification device and a communication device. The identification device is attached to an article and including a sensor. The identification device is configured to operate in a plurality of modes and configured to switch between modes of the plurality of modes based on one or more conditions of a surrounding environment sensed by the sensor. The identification device is configured to send data to a server. The communication device of a user of the identification system is configured to receive data including location data of the identification device from the server using short message service protocols or messages through a signaling channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/953,060 filed on Nov. 27, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,165,052 issuedon Dec. 25, 2018, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/687,410 filed on Apr. 15, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,015,256 issuedon Jul. 3, 2018, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/319,413 filed on Nov. 8, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,161,601 issued onOct. 20, 2015, which is a U.S. National Phase Application ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/AU2010/000529 filed on May 6,2010, which claims priority from Australian Patent Application No.2009902061 filed on May 8, 2009, the contents of each of which isincorporated into the present application in entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device, system and method foridentifying a property of an article.

The property may relate to the position of an article to enable thetracking and/or location of the article, particularly, although notexclusively, for the tracking and locating of luggage and other articlesin transit.

This can occur when travelling by plane, train or boat or any situationswere articles such as items or luggage is transported from onedestination to another. However, the invention can be seen to betracking any article, item or object, and identifying properties ofarticles other than, or additional to, position.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, theword “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, willbe understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group ofintegers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group ofintegers.

Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless the context requiresotherwise, the word “include” or variations such as “includes” or“including”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a statedinteger or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integeror group of integers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in thistext is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference,which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as partof this text. That the document, reference, patent application, orpatent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely forreasons of conciseness.

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intendedto facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It shouldbe appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admissionthat any of the material referred to was published, known or part of thecommon general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in anyjurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention.

When travelling by airplane for example, a traveler's luggage issusceptible to being misplaced or lost by the airline baggage handlers.Retrieval of baggage can be troublesome and take days, weeks, evenmonths and in some cases the luggage may never be found at all. This canbe very stressful for the person travelling, and sometimes items withinthe luggage cannot be replaced, or are extremely valuable.

Tracking and locating systems and devices for articles exist. Somesystems and devices initiate tracking when a tracking sensor is set offby movement and are therefore limited to having some form of movement toinitiate the tracking. Other tracking devices are toolarge/heavy—preventing them from use with smaller items. Also many ofthe devices used require lots of power as they are constantly emittingsignals, again making them impractical in real life situations wereextended battery life is a necessity.

Systems and methods have been disclosed to facilitate the tracking ofitems with the use of radio frequency identification (RFID). Howeverthese are only applicable when monitoring items over a limited radius,and are susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes an identification systemincluding an identification device and a communication device. Theidentification device is attached to an article and including a sensor.The identification device is configured to operate in a plurality ofmodes and configured to switch between modes of the plurality of modesbased on one or more conditions of a surrounding environment sensed bythe sensor. The identification device is configured to send data to aserver. The communication device of a user of the identification systemis configured to receive data including location data of theidentification device from the server using short message serviceprotocols or messages through a signaling channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, includingthe best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, isset forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a position identification system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view of a front face of a printed circuitboard of a tag used in the position identification system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b is a schematic plan view of a rear face of the printed circuitboard of the tag used in the position identification system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-section of the tag used in the positionidentification system of FIG. 1 and attached to an article;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a display on the tag used in theposition identification system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5a is a schematic illustration of securing means used to attach thetag to an article in an unlocked position;

FIG. 5b is a schematic illustration of a side on view of the securingmeans of FIG. 5a ; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the securing means of FIG. 5a in alocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one ormore of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to providethe consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Advantages of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferredembodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a first broad aspect of the present invention, thereis provided an identification system for identifying the position of anarticle, the identification system comprising an identification deviceattached to the article and a central server system arranged for datacommunication with the identification device, the central server systembeing arranged to receive a data communication from the identificationdevice, the data communication including position identification data,the central server system being operable to determine the location ofthe article from the position identification data and to generatelocation data for transmission to a communication device of a user ofthe position identification system.

Preferably, the data communication further comprises article propertydata and the central server system is further operable to transmit thearticle property data to the communication device.

Preferably, the identification device is securely attached to thearticle, and may be permanently attached or integral/integrated with thearticle.

Preferably, the central server system is operable to generate a locationrequest signal in response to a request for the location of the articleand to transmit the location request signal to the identificationdevice, the identification device being operable in response to thereceived location request signal to generate position identificationdata for transmission to the central server system.

Alternatively, the identification device is operable to generateposition identification data upon request from the central server systemand/or automatically upon an event, which may be prescribed, such asremoval from an aircraft baggage hold.

Alternatively, the identification device is operable to generateposition identification data after a predetermined period of time afterinitiation of the identification device.

Preferably, the identification system comprises a storage mediumoperably coupled to the central server system so that the central serversystem can access data stored/programmed therein. Preferably, the datastored in the storage medium relates to a desired location of thearticle, and the central server system is operable to compare thedetermined location of the article with the desired location of thearticle and, if they are different, to transmit the determined locationdata to the communication device of the user. It may also activate analarm or alert indicator on the position identification device, such asilluminating a “lost bag” indicator provided thereon.

Preferably, the storage medium comprises a database.

Preferably, the location data is automatically transmitted.

Preferably, the central server system is operable to receive articleidentification data from the communication device of the user of theidentification system, the central server system being operable totransmit the article identification data to the identification device.

Preferably, the identification device includes a display and is operableto display the article identification data via the display.

Preferably, the identification device is a cellular radio telephonenetwork communications device, and the position identification data isdetermined from the cellular radio telephone network. Preferably, thecellular radio telephone network is a GSM, CDMA or 3G/3.5G/4G(WiMAX/LTE) network and the position identification data is a local areaidentifier for the area in which the position identification device islocated.

Preferably, the identification device is operable to determine theposition identification data based on strongest received signal strengthindication (RSSI). This may be the closest base transceiver station(BTS) station to the location of the position identification device,such as at an airport.

Preferably, the identification device is operable to determine theposition identification data based on one or more positioning methods,including: triangulation methods; hybrid methods (including AssistedGPS); Time Difference of Arrival (TOA) methods; and/or Angle of Arrival(AoA) methods.

Preferably, the central server system includes a database for storingdata on local area identifiers (IDs), cell IDs, and correspondinglocation information, and the central server system is operable todetermine the location information from or on the basis of the IDs (alsoreferred to as reverse geo-coding). The central server system databasemay also store data relating to the position identification device andusers associated thereto.

Preferably, the data communication between the central server system andthe identification device uses short message service protocols ormessages through an SS7 (Signaling System 7) signaling channel of anoperator network.

Preferably, the location data is transmitted to the communication deviceof the user according to short message service protocols. Alternatively,the location data is transmitted via, email, or dynamic map pin-pointingusing a Geographic Information System (GIS), or Interactive VoiceResponse (IVR). The user can also be informed of the article locationthrough other internet communication means which may include accessing asecure website providing the location information and accessinginformation, for example, or software such as a dedicated custom builtapplication provided on the communication device of the user, which mayinclude a personal, laptop, notebook or tablet computer, or asmartphone, for example.

In accordance with a second broad aspect of the present invention, thereis provided an identification device attached to an article and for usewith an identification system including a central server system arrangedfor data communication with the identification device, and beingarranged to receive a data communication from the identification device,the data communication including position identification data, thecentral server system being operable to determine the location of thearticle from the position identification data and to generate locationdata for transmission to a communication device of a user of theposition identification system.

Preferably, the data communication further comprises article propertydata and the central server system is further operable to transmit thearticle property data to the communication device.

Preferably, the identification device is securely attached to thearticle, and may be permanently attached or integral/integrated with thearticle.

Preferably, the identification device is operable in response to areceived location request signal from the central server system togenerate position identification data for transmission to the centralserver system. Alternatively, the identification device is operable togenerate position identification data after a predetermined period oftime after initiation of the identification device.

Preferably, the identification device includes a display and is operableto display the article identification data on the display.

Preferably, the identification device is a cellular radio telephonenetwork communications device, and the position identification data isdetermined from the cellular radio telephone network. Preferably, thecellular radio telephone network is a GSM, CDMA or 3G/3.5G/4G(WiMAX/LTE) network and the position identification data is a local areaidentifier for the area in which the identification device is located.

Preferably, the identification device uses short message serviceprotocols or messages through the SS7 signaling channel of an operatornetwork to transmit and receive data to and from the central serversystem.

Preferably, the identification device includes alert means forindicating the status of the position identification device.

Preferably, the identification device operates in a first mode in whichthe device is operable to receive and transmit data and a second mode inwhich the device is disabled from receiving and transmitting data.

Preferably, the identification device operates in a first mode in whichthe device is operable to receive and transmit radio data (NormalFunctionality Mode), a second mode in which the identification device isdisabled from receiving and transmitting radio data (Minimal or MinimumFunctionality Mode), and a third mode (Alert Mode) in which theactivated identification device displays user details on a display (suchas a liquid crystal display or E-paper screen) and activates an alertindicator on the identification device, such as illuminating an alertlight emitting diode (LED) indicator, and/or flashing a message on theLCD or E-paper screen provided thereon, and/or activating a soundemitting device. The identification device may operate in a fourth mode(Flight or Travel Mode) in which it can be set to operate in thehereinbefore described Minimal Functionality Mode for a period of time.The period of time may be predetermined or prescribed and set by a useror operator.

Preferably, the identification device includes one or more sensorsoperable to sense data relating to the identification device, thearticle, and/or the identification system and is operable to initiate anaction on the basis of the sensed data.

Preferably, the one or more sensors include: a temperature sensor; alight sensor; a pressure sensor; a proximity sensor; and/or a motionsensor. Preferably, the motion sensor is operable to determine whetherthe identification device is moving on the basis of received radiofrequency signal strength or cellular identification fluctuations.

Preferably, the initiated action comprises communicating the sensed datain the data communication.

Preferably, the initiated action comprises processing the sensed dataand, on the basis of the processing, switching the mode of operation ofthe identification device.

Preferably, a sensor of the one or more sensors is operable to detectwhen the identification device is required to be in the second mode, theidentification device being operable to switch to the second mode inresponse to a signal from the sensor indicating that the identificationdevice is required to be disabled.

In accordance with a third broad aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method for identifying the position of an article using anidentification device attached to the article, the method comprising thesteps of receiving position identification data from the identificationdevice and determining the position of the article from the positionidentification data.

Preferably, the method further comprises receiving article propertydata.

Preferably, the method comprises the steps of generating a locationrequest signal in response to a request for the location of the articlefrom a user, transmitting the location request signal to theidentification device, and generating position identification data inresponse to the received location request signal.

Alternatively, the method comprises the step of generating positionidentification data after a predetermined period of time.

Preferably, the method comprises the further step of receiving articleidentification data from a user, and transmitting the articleidentification data to the identification device.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of displaying the articleidentification data on the identification device.

Preferably, the method uses a cellular radio telephone networkcommunications device, and the position identification data isdetermined from the cellular radio telephone network. Preferably, thecellular radio telephone network is a GSM, CDMA or 3G/3.5G/4G(WiMAX/LTE) network and the position identification data is a local areaidentifier for the area in which the identification device is located.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of storing data on local areaidentifiers (IDs) and/or cell IDs in a database along with correspondinglocation information, and determining the location information from thelocal area identifier.

Preferably, the method uses short message service protocols or messagesthrough the SS7 signaling channel of an operator network.

Preferably, the location data is transmitted to the user according toshort message service protocols. Alternatively, the location data istransmitted via email or IVR. The user can also be informed of thearticle location through other internet communication means which mayinclude accessing a secure website providing the information, forexample.

Preferably, the method comprises sensing data relating to theidentification device and/or the article and initiating an action on thebasis of the sensed data.

Preferably, the sensed data includes: temperature data; visible lightdata; pressure data; proximity data; and/or a motion data. Preferably,the method comprises determining whether the identification device ismoving on the basis of received radio frequency signal strength orcellular identification fluctuations.

Preferably, the initiated action comprises communicating the sensed datain the data communication.

Preferably, the initiated action comprises processing the sensed dataand, on the basis of the processing, switching a mode of operation ofthe identification device.

In accordance with a fourth broad aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a lock comprising a processor arranged to receive a datacommunication, and a first engagement means releasably engageable with asecond engagement means, the processor being operable, upon receipt ofthe data communication, to disengage and/or engage the first engagementmeans and the second engagement means.

Preferably, the data communication uses short message service protocols.

Preferably, the identification system in accordance with the firstaspect of the present invention as hereinbefore described, theidentification device in accordance with the second aspect of thepresent invention as hereinbefore described, and/or the method foridentifying the position of an article using an identification deviceattached to the article in accordance with the third aspect of thepresent invention as hereinbefore described, comprise a lock inaccordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention ashereinbefore described.

In accordance with a fifth broad aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a computer-readable storage medium on which is storedinstructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer toperform the method for identifying the position of an article using anidentification device attached to the article according to the thirdbroad aspect of the present invention as hereinbefore described.

In accordance with a sixth broad aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a computer programmed to carry out the method foridentifying the position of an article using an identification deviceattached to the article according to the third broad aspect of thepresent invention as hereinbefore described.

In accordance with a seventh broad aspect of the present invention,there is provided an identification system for identifying the positionof an article, the system comprising a computer processor and a storagemedium, the storage medium having a software application stored thereon,whereby the processor is operable, under control of the applicationsoftware, to: receive a data communication from an identification deviceattached to the article, the data communication including positionidentification data; process the position identification data todetermine the location of the article; generate location data specifyingthe determined location; and transmit the generated location data.

In accordance with an eighth broad aspect of the present invention,there is provided an identification system for identifying a property ofan article, the system comprising a computer processor and a storagemedium, the storage medium having a software application stored thereon,whereby the processor is operable, under control of the applicationsoftware, to: receive a data communication from an identification deviceattached to the article, the data communication including propertyidentification data; process the property identification data todetermine the property of the article; generate property data specifyingthe determined property; and transmit the generated property data.

Preferably, the property comprises a position or location, temperature,pressure, proximity, and/or motion of the article.

Preferably, the identification device includes one or more sensorsoperable to sense data relating to the identification device, thearticle, and/or the identification system and is operable to initiate anaction on the basis of the sensed data.

Preferably, the one or more sensors include: a position sensor, atemperature sensor; a light sensor; a pressure sensor; a proximitysensor; and/or a motion sensor.

Preferably, the initiated action comprises communicating the sensed datain the data communication.

Preferably, the initiated action comprises processing the sensed dataand, on the basis of the processing, switching a mode of operation ofthe identification device.

In accordance with a ninth broad aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method for identifying a property of an article using anidentification device attached to the article, the method comprising thesteps of receiving property identification data from the identificationdevice and determining the property of the article from the propertyidentification data.

In accordance with a tenth broad aspect of the present invention, thereis provided an identification device attached to an article and for usewith an identification system including a central server system arrangedfor data communication with the identification device, and beingarranged to receive a data communication from the identification device,the data communication including property identification data, thecentral server system being operable to determine the property of thearticle from the property identification data and to generate propertydata for transmission to a communication device of a user of theproperty identification system.

In accordance with an eleventh broad aspect of the present invention,there is provided an identification system for identifying a property ofan article, the identification system comprising an identificationdevice attached to the article and a central server system arranged fordata communication with the identification device, the central serversystem being arranged to receive a data communication from theidentification device, the data communication including propertyidentification data, the central server system being operable todetermine the property of the article from the property identificationdata and to generate property data for transmission to a communicationdevice of a user of the property identification system.

In accordance with a twelfth broad aspect of the present invention,there is provided a data communication used in the identification systemin accordance with the first, seventh, eighth or eleventh aspects of thepresent invention as hereinbefore described.

In accordance with a thirteenth broad aspect of the present invention,there is provided a data communication used in the method foridentifying the position of an article using an identification deviceattached to the article in accordance with the third aspect of thepresent invention as hereinbefore described.

In accordance with a fourteenth broad aspect of the present invention,there is provided a data communication used in the method foridentifying a property of an article using an identification deviceattached to the article in accordance with the ninth aspect of thepresent invention as hereinbefore described.

In accordance with a fifteenth broad aspect of the present invention,there is provided a computer-readable storage medium on which is storedinstructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer toperform the method for identifying a property of an article using anidentification device attached to the article according to the ninthbroad aspect of the present invention as hereinbefore described.

In accordance with a sixteenth broad aspect of the present invention,there is provided a computer programmed to carry out the method foridentifying a property of an article using an identification deviceattached to the article according to the ninth broad aspect of thepresent invention as hereinbefore described.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an advantage over knownsystems and devices in that they may alert the user to the location ofan article when it has not arrived at its intended destination.Alternatively, the tagged article's location may be requested by theuser at any time other than when the article is in transit in anairplane so as to comply with international regulation of GSM usage onaircraft. In such instances, the position identification device will gointo a standby or minimum functionality mode preventing interferencewith navigation devices. Furthermore, embodiments of the presentinvention may enable the owner of the article to direct updates of theposition of the article directly to their phone or email without theneed for third party tracking. A further advantage is that embodimentsof the invention may reduce the time and cost associated with thelocation and retrieval of lost baggage. The data from the locationpositioning device can be shared with airlines or airline servicecompanies to assist location of the missing articles at airports, forexample, or other relevant authorities as appropriate.

The embodiment of the identification system of the invention hereindescribed particularly relates to identifying a property of an articlecomprising its position or location. It should be appreciated that theinvention is not to be construed as being limited to this property, andalternative embodiments of the invention may relate to identifyingproperties of an article other than, or additional to, position andlocation, including, for example, temperature, visible light or otherenvironmental conditions, proximity, pressure, or motion/movement, or acombination of properties.

A position identification system 1 in accordance with the embodiment ofthe present invention comprises a position identification device in theform of a tag 12 which can be securely attached to or incorporated in anarticle 10. For example, the tag 12 can be securely and releasablyattachable to an article 10 in the same way as a luggage label, or canbe incorporated into the article 10, for example, in a handle or part ofthe article housing as appropriate.

The tag 12 includes GSM (Group System for Mobiles), CDMA (Code DivisionMultiple Access) and OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)functionality in the form of a GSM/3G/3.5G/4G (WiMAX/LTE) modem whichenables the tag 12 to communicate with a central server system 11 of theposition identification system 1 via a GSM/3G/3.5G/4G (WiMAX/LTE) orCDMA cellular radio telephone network 2. Cellular radio telephonenetworks and the GSM/3G/3.5G/4G (WiMAX/LTE) and CDMA communicationsprotocols are well known to persons skilled in the art and need not bedescribed in any further detail herein except as is relevant to thepresent invention.

In the embodiment described herein, the tag 12 is intended to be used bya person travelling to locate the position and potentially track themovement of an article 10 such as a piece of luggage that may be lost intransit.

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate an embodiment of the tag 12.

The tag 12 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 13 with a first PCBface 14 (see FIG. 2A) and a second PCB face 15 (see FIG. 2B) which areopposed.

The first PCB face 14 includes a subscriber identity module (SIM) cardslot 16 into which a SIM card 17 can be inserted. The SIM card slot 16secures the SIM card 17 in place for operation. The SIM card 17 alsostores various other information, such as the service-subscriber key(IMSI) and contact telephone number for example, as is well known. Theuse of SIM cards is well known to persons skilled in the art and neednot be described in any further detail herein.

The PCB 13 also incorporates a battery 18 or other suitable power sourcefor providing power for operation of the tag 12, and a charging socket19 arranged for coupling a charging device to the battery 18. In apreferred embodiment the charging socket 19 may take the form of a miniAB/micro AB/universal serial bus (USB) interface which enables thebattery 18 to be coupled to an external power source 20 such as alaptop, or dc-power supply in a vehicle, etc. so that the battery 18 canbe recharged as required. The charging socket 19 (mini AB/micro AB/USBinterface) is also operable to facilitate updating of firmware on thewireless module using a software application that may be specificallydeveloped for the position identification device. In an alternativeembodiment, the battery can be a non-rechargeable battery or othersuitable power source. In a further embodiment, applicable in situationswhere an animal is to be tracked, for example, or where the tag 12 is tobe exposed to sunlight, the tag 12 also incorporates solar poweredcharging means to further sustain battery life/operation time. Infurther embodiments of the invention, other charging techniques andtechnologies may also or alternatively be used, such as inductioncharging.

A chip-set 21 is mounted on the PCB 13 and is coupled to an antenna 22,and a processor in the form of an embedded microcontroller 23 to providethe operation of the tag 12 as will be described in further detailbelow.

The communications chip-set 21 includes a radio frequency transceiver(not shown) and operates to perform the data communications foroperation of the tag 12 using the radio frequency communications inaccordance with GSM/3G/3.5G/4G (WiMAX/LTE) and CDMA protocols in theusual, known manner. In further embodiments, GPRS (General Packet RadioService), third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G) or LTE/WiMAXcommunication protocols are adopted.

The communications chip-set 21 also provides a means to perform suchradio baseband functions as power management, signal amplification,signal filtering, frequency duplexing, advanced signal processing anddata communication to the embedded microcontroller 23 and to the SIMcard 17 and other wireless functions including Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi, WiMAX,ZigBee communication, and other digital processes.

The antenna 22 is operable to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF)communications signals to and from the radio network 2 which are coupledto the chip-set 21 in the usual, known manner. In a preferredembodiment, the antenna 22 can be in the form of a flexible strap thatcan be used to secure the tag 12 to the article 10—see FIG. 3. Using ahelical based antenna wound as part of the attachment mechanism isadvantageous as it increases antenna efficiency, signal sensitivity andreduces RF power consumption.

In the present embodiment, the microcontroller 23 is a commerciallyavailable microcontroller. The microcontroller 23 stores software andlocation information from the SIM card 17, and firmware pertinent to theoperation and function of the tag 12 in any suitable manner known topersons skilled in the art. The microcontroller 23 is coupled to thecommunications chipset 21 by a hard wired connection (not shown) or anyother suitable wired or wireless connection. In further embodiments, thecommunications chipset incorporates such protocols as GPRS (GeneralPacket Radio Service), third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G)protocols for communicating means.

A display 24 is provided on the second PCB face 15. In a preferredembodiment the display 24 is an e-paper or liquid crystal display (LCD)and is operable to display, via a user interface, article identificationinformation such as the user name and arrival destination and usercontact flight number—as illustrated schematically in FIG. 4.

This information is uploaded to the microcontroller 23 by the user usingthe central server system 11 as will be described in further detailbelow. Once uploaded to the tag 12, this information can be displayed onthe display 24 as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the tag 12 acts as a luggagelabel which enables anyone who finds the article 10 to contact the user.Other information or data may also be displayed, such as a batteryindicator indicating an amount of charge of the battery 18 and/or anindicator showing successful connection to cellular network, forexample.

The second PCB face 15 also further comprises an alert means orindicator in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) 25, visible onboth sides (i.e. the first PCB face 14 and the second PCB face 15) ofthe PCB 13, and a sensor or detector in the form of a light sensor 26,operable on both sides (i.e. the first PCB face 14 and the second PCBface 15) of the PCB 13. The light sensor 26 is mounted horizontally witha light pathway from either side of the tag 12. In alternativeembodiments of the invention, light pathways may be provided on bothsides of the PCB 13.

The LED 25 is operable to indicate the status of the article 10. In thisembodiment, the LED 25 is operable to illuminate if the article 10 isdetermined to be missing.

The tag 12 is arranged to switch between a first, a second and a thirdmode, state or method of operation—a “reception” or “normal mode(receive and transmit radio data)”, a “disabled/lock off” or “minimum orminimal functionality mode (no reception or transmission of radio data)”and an “alarm or alert mode (receive and transmit data, the LCD of thedisplay means 24 activated and the LED illuminated)”, respectively.

In the minimum functionality mode, the tag 12 is disabled from wirelesscommunication via the antenna 22 and is placed into minimumfunctionality mode turning off all non essential electronic circuits toconserve battery life. When the article 10 is travelling by airplane,for example, wireless RF communication devices may interfere with thenavigation systems of the airplane, and it is therefore imperative thatthe tag 12 does not use RF communications at this time. When in thecargo hold of an airplane it may be necessary to make sure that the tag12 is in minimum functionality. A further benefit of switching the tagto the minimum functionality mode, is that when in storage compartmentit serves to conserve battery power. In a further, fourth mode ofoperation—“flight” or “travel” mode the tag 12 can be set by a user tooperate in the hereinbefore described minimal functionality mode for aperiod of time. The period of time may be predetermined or prescribed.

When the tag 12 is in normal functionality mode it is operable to sendand receive data and respond to any location requests via the positionidentification system 1 as described in further detail below.

Switching between the minimum functionality mode and normal mode isactivated by means of the sensor 26.

In one embodiment, the sensor 26 includes a light sensitive resistorwhich is operable to determine when ambient light in the vicinity of thetag 12 falls below a predetermined threshold and, at such time, thesensor 26 is operable to switch the tag 12 to the minimum functionalitymode. The sensor 26 generates and sends a signal to the microcontroller23 to place all non-essential electronic components of the tag 12 into alow power mode and to disable the RF communication on the GSM Controllerwhich is incorporated into the communication chip-set 21. To reduce therisk of fire, aircraft cargo holds are not lit after the cargo holddoors are closed so in this way, when the surrounding environment goesdark, the tag 12 is switched to the minimum functionality mode. In anembodiment of the invention, the tag 12 is operable to automatically“wake up” and enter the reception or normal mode of operation once acondition or event is satisfied, such as once every 24 hours after firstdetection of light, irrespective of light conditions, for example. Suchoperation advantageously allows for location of tagged articles (such asbags) that have been permanently stored in a dark location.

In should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to theindicator and sensor described, and in alternative embodiments theproperty identification device may comprise a plurality or set ofindicators operable to provide an indication of a plurality of events orconditions. Additionally, or alternatively, the property identificationdevice can comprise a plurality or set of sensors or detectors operableto sense and gather sensor data or information relating to properties(property identification data) and parameters of and/or associated withthe property identification device, the article, and/or the propertyidentification system additional to or instead of positionidentification data, and to communicate the detected sensor data to aprocessor of the property identification device (such as themicrocontroller 23) and/or another device, such as the central serversystem 11, for processing. On the basis of the processing of thereceived sensor data, the processor (under control of software) isoperable to determine or identify the property and/or whether an eventor condition has occurred and control operation of components of theproperty identification system accordingly to initiate an actioncorresponding to the determined event or condition. The initiated actionmay comprise, for example, activating an appropriate indicator, orchanging the state or mode of operation of the property identificationdevice and/or another component of the property identification systemfrom one state to another state.

The abovementioned processing of the data undertaken by the relevantprocessor may be controlled by an analytical software applicationoperable to determine on the basis of the data whether a prescribedevent or circumstance has occurred (such as a temperature exceeded ordeviation of an article or item from a prescribed path) and to controlcomponents of the position identification system 1 accordingly toinitiate appropriate action(s).

In one embodiment, a sensor is provided that includes a mechanism todetect fluctuation of wireless signal strength and neighboring cellularinformation (i.e. radio frequency (RF) signal strength changes orfluctuations) and from this data the microcontroller 23 is operable todetermine whether the tag 12 is, for example, moving constantly atselected speeds, accelerating or stationary, and to control the state ormode of operation of the tag 12 accordingly—i.e. to automatically switchfrom one state or mode to another. Such a sensor operationadvantageously allows for the tag 12 to be switched to the minimumfunctionality mode when motion is detected (i.e. when an aircraft, forexample, is in taxi, takeoff or landing operations as a moving aircraftwill be subject to changing RF signal strength as it moves towards, awayfrom, or across an RF signal source) and switched to the normal modewhen no motion is detected (i.e. the RF signal strength is constantrather than changing). Accordingly, changes in wireless signal strengthare used to determine if the position identification device is moving orstationary and switched on/off accordingly.

In further embodiments of the invention, the set of sensors includetemperature sensors or thermometers so that, in addition to or insteadof location data, temperature information or data (or other propertiesor storage parameters) can be sensed and communicated, either on requestor automatically if set parameters are breached/exceeded, and identifiedand appropriate action initiated by the processor based on thetemperature information. Temperature sensitive goods includingpharmaceutical agents, human tissue and vaccines as well as othercommodities such as meat and fish requiring transportation under stricttemperature controls could be monitored during transportation by aproperty identification device of the invention having such a sensor andif set parameters are breached the property identification systemoperable to determine the occurrence of the same and act appropriately,such as generating and delivering an information communication in theform of an SMS, email or website alarm to a communication device of anowner of the goods—thereby enabling remedial action to be taken beforethe goods are spoiled. The information delivered via the communicationmay include the actual temperature of goods in transit, in addition totheir actual position or location if such property is also being sensed.

Pressure and proximity sensors and other telemetry sensors may also beused to gather data and information in alternative embodiments of theinvention. In an alternative embodiment, the tag 12 (or indeed aplurality of tags 12) could be simultaneously switched to the minimumfunctionality mode using a remote device (not shown), for example, usingwireless communication.

In a preferred embodiment the tag 12 will be encased in a robust housing27. The robust housing 27 can be of any suitable type and configuration.It should be made to be able to withstand extreme weather conditionsthat it may encounter allowing the tag 12 to operate correctly when inthose conditions.

In a preferred embodiment of the tag 12, the housing 27 may be in theform of a convex-shaped housing with a transparent window so that thedisplay means 24 is visible through the housing window and there is alight pathway to the light sensor 26. The housing 27 has a convex-shapedprofile to ensure that tag 12 cannot be pushed flat against the surfaceof a suitcase or other surfaces which might prevent light getting to thesensor means 26, which might inadvertently cause the tag 12 to switch tothe minimum functionality mode. Alternatively, the sensor 26 may havelight pathways from either side of the tag 12.

In an integrated embodiment of the tag 1, the SIM card 17 and themicrocontroller 23 are built inside the tag 12, so are not visible tothe user. Other than these features the integrated embodiment of the tag12 is as previously described.

The tag 12 is in communication with the central server system 11 via acellular radio telephone network 2, which in this embodiment is a GSMnetwork.

The central server system 11 comprises a CTI (Computer TelephonyIntegration)/IVR (Interactive Voice Response) server 40, a call managerserver/PSTN gateway 41, a database server 42, a web server 43, a userdirectory server 44 and an SMS (Short Message Service) applicationserver 45. CTI and IVR servers—which provide computer telephonyintegration and voice response to callers—are well known to personsskilled in the art and need not be described in any further detailherein.

The central server system 11 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 1.

The call manager server 41 is operable to receive calls from users ofthe position identification system 1 via fixed line telephones 48,and/or cellular radio telephones 47.

The database server 42 is arranged for data communication with externalthird party databases 49, for example, hosted by an airline, airportoperator or travel company. The data communication can be implemented inany suitable known way, for example via a wide area network such as theInternet or a local area network.

The web server is arranged to provide web-based access to users of theposition identification system 1 via the Internet 51 from remoteterminals 50 comprising communication devices such as computers,personal digital assistants, internet-enabled cellular radio telephonesand such.

The user directory server 44 is used to store account details of usersof the position identification device, including such details as name,passwords, Personal Identification Number, and serial numbers

The CTI/IVR server 40, the call manager server 41, the database server42, web server 43, and user directory server 44 are all in databasecommunication with the SMS application server 45.

The SMS application server 45 enables communication with the tag 12 aswill be described in further detail below and provides for thefunctionality of the position identification system 1 at the centralserver system 11.

The SMS application server 45 is in data communication with an SMSservice center 46 provided as part of the cellular radio telephonenetwork 2 by the network operator. The operation of SMS service centersand the operation of SMS services are well known to persons skilled inthe art and need not be described in any further detail herein. When thetag 12 is in the minimum functionality mode of operation messages arestored on the SMS application server 45 and re-sent at regular timeintervals until expiry of a prescribed or selected time period. In thismanner, once the tag 12 changes from minimal functionality mode toreception or normal mode the massage will finally be delivered.

A user is allocated a tag 12 for use in tracking the position of thearticle 10 to which it is securely attached.

This can be done using one of the remote terminals 50 via the Internet51 and the web server 43. Alternatively, this may also be done viatelephone 47, 48 using the interactive voice response (IVR)/computertelephony integration (CTI) server 40 or via the call manager server 41in any suitable known way. The information is then stored on thedatabase server 42. Alternatively this may be done via cellulartelephone 47 using a central SMS number. It is the database server 42that stores this information.

Third party service providers such as airlines may provide a means toupload travel details to the database server 42 from third partydatabase server 49.

In a further embodiment data may also be inputted by way of Bluetooth™,Wi-Fi, WiMAX, ZigBee communication or some other wireless means.

The SMS application server 45 is then operable to upload the articleidentification data to the microcontroller 23 and the tag 12 for displayon the LED display 24. This article identification data comprisesinformation about the user and may include, for example, the user'scontact details and intended destination of the article 10 as mentionedabove.

Before transit, the tag 12 is placed in the normal mode as describedabove.

The SMS application server 45 sends specific commands to thecommunications chip-set 21 to place the tag in the normal mode.

Once the article 10 is in transit, the tag will remain in the normalmode until such time as it is loaded into a cargo hold of the airplane,or other such transport mode, where the tag 12 will switch to theminimum functionality mode in response to the sensor means 26 detectingthat the lights in the cargo hold are switched off

In another embodiment of the invention the plurality of tags 12 may betemporarily switched off by central remote control as discussed above.This mechanism disables both radio functionality and puts the tag 12into minimal operating mode and overrides all other operating modes ofthe device.

If the article 10 arrives at its destination, then the user can switchoff the tag 12 through the central server system 11 or other appropriatemeans when the user takes possession of the article 10.

The user can program multiple flight information (multiple itineraries)into the database server 42. Therefore a multi flight journey can beprogrammed into the database server 42 and transmitted to the positionlocation device 12 after each individual flight via the applicationserver 45 to the tag microcontroller 23. This new destinationinformation is then up-loaded to the LCD screen of the display means 24.

If the article 10 does not arrive at its intended destination, then theuser will be advised of its destination, as follows.

Location of the article 10 can be determined by contacting the tag 12 torespond with its location. The user can manually activate alert modeupon request. Following this the tag 12 will activate its alert means 25and activate the LED to illuminate as described above.

This mechanism will allow baggage handlers or the user for example toidentify luggage quickly.

When a user wishes to query the location of the article 10, the usercalls the central server system 11 in the usual way and as describedabove in respect of the uploading of information to the tag 12.

In response to a user request for the location of the tag 12, the SMSapplication server 45 is operable to poll a unique mobile subscriberintegrated services digital network (MSISDN) number allocated to the SIMcard 17.

The SMS application server 45 sends a query to the positionidentification device using the MSISDN number to extract the locationinformation from the SIM card 17.

The details of the MSISDN are stored in the database server 42 and areretrieved by the SMS application server 45 from the database server 42to poll the SIM card 17.

The SMS application server 45 sends a command string using standard SMSformat to the position identification device in order to poll theinformation on the SIM card 17 and microcontroller 23.

On receiving the location request i.e. the poll from the SMS applicationserver 45, the tag 12 is operable to poll the nearest operable basetransceiver station (not shown) within the cellular radio network 2 todetermine the location area identifier (LAI) and cellular identifier(CellID) for the SIM card's location and to store it in the SIM 22 andthe microcontroller 23. The use of the LAI and CellID to determine thelocation in which a SIM card 17 is located is well known to personsskilled in the art and need not be described in any further detailherein.

Under control of software built into the microcontroller 23, the tag 12is operable to send an SMS status message to the SMS application server45 containing the LAI and CellID information. The SMS application server45 is then operable to map the LAI and CellID against specificdestination information, such as the nearest airport or specific airportterminal, stored in the database server 42 thus determining a specificlocation for the article 10.

The described embodiment of the position identification devicedetermines its location based on strongest received signal strengthindication (RSSI) (being the closest BTS station to the airport). Thecentral server system 11 includes a database for storing data on localarea identifiers and corresponding location information, and the centralserver system 11 is operable to determine the location information fromthe local area identifier. Alternatively the central server systemdatabase may also store data from the position identification devicesand users associated thereto.

The SMS application server 45 is then operable to create an SMS message,email or IVR to include details of the location as previouslydetermined, which is then sent to the user who initiated the locationrequest i.e. the user. This SMS message is sent to the user who willthen be able to know where the article 10 is located.

In another embodiment, the SMS application server 45 can be operable tosend an email in addition or instead of with the required information.User emails, addresses and cellular radio telephone numbers are allstored on the database server 42.

At the same time, the microcontroller 23 is operable to send a signal tothe LED 25 to cause it to illuminate as described above.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the tag 12 is operable toautomatically initiate a check on its position and compare it to theintended destination, rather than waiting for a location request fromthe central server system 11.

In this instance, when the position identification device is removedfrom the hold of an aircraft and automatically switches to normal mode,the microcontroller 23 and the communications chip-set 21 is operable todetermine the LAI and CellID and to send an SMS status message to theSMS application server 45 as before. The SMS application server 45 isthen operable to determine the location as described above and tocompare it (the determined actual location) with the expected/desireddestination (which will have been uploaded by the user initially andwill be stored on the database server 42). If the two do not match, theposition identification system 1 is operable to alert the user of theactual position of the tag 12 (and therefore of the article 10 to whichit is connected) in the same way as before. In addition, the alert means25 is activated to indicate to people in the vicinity of the article10—such as airline and baggage handling staff—that the article 10 ismissing/not at its intended destination.

Each tag 12 will also have a unique IMEI/IMSI number in the same way asall GSM mobile devices. This can be represented as a barcode on thedevice. This can be scanned by airlines or other third parties andcompared with known databases that store this data. This can also assistin locating owners of lost articles or for inventory information as theIMEI is linked to GSM operator databases, mobile manufacturers andretailers.

In another embodiment of the invention, the tag 12 can include GPScapabilities to determine location by means of GPS data. This can thenbe sent in the SMS status message to the SMS application server 45 andused appropriately.

If the SMS card 17 is removed from the tag, then the tag 12 is unusable.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tag 12 incorporatesa lock in the form of a mechanical barrel lock or an electro mechanicalsecuring means or fastener 52 for attaching the tag 12 to the article10, illustrated in FIGS. 5a, 5b , and 6 of the drawings. Alternativeembodiments of the lock can be used independently of the tag 12, forperforming a locking/securing/attaching function in other applications.

The fastener 52 comprises a first processor which in this embodiment isin the form of a lock microcontroller 54 operably connected to anactuator in the form of an electromagnetic driver circuit 56 operablyconnected to a ferrite core 58 having a coil 59. The microcontroller 54is in communication with the communications chip-set 21 of the tag 12,such that instruction messages received by the communications chip-set21 by way of SMS can be processed by the lock microcontroller 54. If thecommunications chip-set 21 receives an SMS instruction messagecontaining an “unlock” password, such as the user's personalidentification number, it will be processed by the microcontroller 54 asan unlock code to unlock or disengage the fastener 52 as furtherdescribed below.

The microcontroller 54 may be a separate microcontroller. In a preferredembodiment, the fastener 52 uses the existing microcontroller 23 of thetag 12.

The electromagnetic driver circuit 56 is operable to receive operatinginstructions from the microcontroller 54 and to relay these to theferrite core 58 and coil 59 by way of electrical signals.

The ferrite core 58 is in contact with first biasing means or biaserwhich in this embodiment comprises a spring 60 operably coupled betweenthe ferrite core 58 and first engagement means or engager in the form ofa pin 62. The coil 59 is wound around the pin 62 and the ferrite core 58to induce magnetism when the core 58 is energised. The pin 62 isslidably retained in a guide channel 63 extending from the ferrite core58 and opening into a recess 65 provided in the housing 27 of the tag 12and bounded by a support 70. The pin 62 is moveable between a first,unlocked, position in which it is completely retained within the guidechannel 63, with the spring 60 compressed between the ferrite core 58and the end of the pin 62 proximate thereto, and a second, locked,position in which the end of the pin 62 remote from the ferrite core 58extends into the recess 65. In the second position, the spring 60 isuncompressed, i.e. is extended, between the ferrite core 58 and the endof the pin 62 proximate thereto.

A second engagement means or engager is provided in the form of aconnector head 66 removeably receivable within the recess 65. Theconnector head 66 is moveable from a first, unlocked, position in whichit is free to move within and exit the recess 65, and a second, lockedposition, in which the end of the pin 62 remote from the ferrite core 58extends into the recess 65 and a locking groove 67 of the connector head66 to lockingly engage therewith.

The connector head 66 is operably connected to a wire cable 68, viawhich the tag 12 and fastener 52 can be attached to an article, and isbounded by the conductive support 70 when received in the recess 65. Theconductive support 70 is further connected to a second processor. In apreferred embodiment the wire cable 68 incorporates an antenna such asthe antenna 22 described in FIG. 2 a.

A second biasing means or biaser comprising a leaf spring 64 is alsoprovided, extending parallel along the guide channel 63 such that amoveable end thereof extends into the recess 65. The leaf spring 64assists in retaining the pin 60 in place in its first position andpreventing it from moving unintentionally into the second, locked,position. In this regard, the leaf spring 64 is moveable from aretaining position, in which a retaining projection 69 thereof isreceived within a retaining notch 71 of the pin 62 to hold the pin 62once in the first, unlocked, position and an unretaining position inwhich the retaining projection 69 is removed from the retaining notch71. Insertion of the connector head 66 into the recess 65 an operativedistance causes it to abut the moveable end of the leaf spring 64, andmove it from the retaining position to the unretaining position wheninserted beyond the operative distance.

On receipt of an SMS instruction message containing an “unlock” passwordby the communications chip-set 21, the lock microcontroller 54 instructsthe electromagnetic driver circuit 56 to energise the ferrite core 58and coil 59. Energisation of the ferrite core 58 and coil 59 causes thepin 62 to be attracted thereto via induced magnetism, slidably moving itinto the first position and compressing the spring 60. Energisation ofthe ferrite core 58 is time limited to conserve battery power.

In this position, the connector head 66 is moveable within the recess65. Without the restraining pin 62 holding the connector head 66, theforce of the leaf spring 64 is sufficient to cause the leaf spring 64 tostraighten and push the connector head 66 retrograde in the recess 65,causing the projection 69 to locate into the retaining notch 71 andlocking the restraining pin 62 in the open position with the spring 60compressed. This action also allows the connector head 66 to be removedfrom the recess 65 and the tag 12 unsecured from/or secured to thearticle 10. As the connector head 66 is withdrawn from the recess 65 sothat it no longer extends beyond the operative distance, the leaf spring64 moves to a retaining position in which the retaining projection 69thereof is received within the retaining notch 71 of the pin 62 to holdthe pin 62 in the first, unlocked, position.

To lock the fastener 52, the wire cable 68 is looped around or throughan appropriate portion of the article 10 (such as a handle thereof). Theconnector head 66 is inserted into the recess 65 beyond the operativedistance such that the locking groove 67 aligns with the guide channel63, and the moveable end of the leaf spring 64 is abutted and moved fromthe retaining position to the unretaining position. In this manner, theretaining projection 69 of the leaf spring 64 is withdrawn from theretaining notch 71 of the pin 62 and it is free to move from the first,unlocked, position to the locked position.

As the ferrite core 58 and coil 59 is not energised, the pin 62 is nolonger attracted thereto, and the spring 60 expands to move the pin 62to the second, locked, position. In this position, the end of the pin 62remote from the ferrite core 58 extends into the recess 65 and lockinggroove 67 of the connector head 66 to lockingly engage therewith, andthereby secure the tag 12 to the article 10.

As described above, the conductive support 70 is operably connected to asecond processor which in this embodiment is in the form of amicrocontroller 72. In addition to providing a strong support aroundconnector head 66, the conductive support 70 completes an electricalcircuit connecting all components within the securing means 52. Themicrocontroller 72 is operably connected to the communications chip-set21. If the microcontroller 72 detects that the wire cable 68 is brokenor detached without proper instructions, or the circuit formed by thecomponents is otherwise broken, it will instantly send instructionsthrough to the communications chip-set 21 to send an SMS to the user ornominated authority with the position location of the tag 12 at thatinstant.

In a further embodiment, the connector head 66 may be under tension byanother biasing means or biaser which may be a spring which is held inbias when in the locked position and further forces the connector head66 when disengaged to retract and release the tag 12. The leaf spring 64may also perform such a function if appropriately tensioned. In afurther embodiment the second engagement means or element may beoperably connected to the alert means 25, thus allowing an alert signalto the user to be generated once the fastener 52 is unlocked, promptingthe user to retract the connector head 66.

In a further embodiment, the fastener 52 may also receive detachmentinstructions by way of Bluetooth, infrared or such wireless controlsfrom a control unit it is in sync with.

In another embodiment of the lock, the microcontroller 54 is operable toprocess an SMS instruction message containing a “lock” password receivedby the communications chip-set 21 as a lock code instruction and lockthe securing means.

Variations are possible within the scope of the present invention. Forexample, the tag 12 can determine its location using known triangulationtechniques rather than determining the LAI, or other positioningmethods, such as hybrid methods (including Assisted GPS); TimeDifference of Arrival (TOA) methods; and/or Angle of Arrival (AoA)methods.

Furthermore, any suitable communication protocol can be used tofacilitate communication between any subsystems or components of theposition identification system 1, including wired and wireless and anSS7 (Signaling System 7) signaling channel, as are well known to personsskilled in the art and need not be described in any further detailherein.

The tracking and locating system and method of the described embodimentof the present invention is not limited to such tracking and locating,however. In alternative embodiments it may be used to track and locateany person, animal, freight, vehicle, parole prisoner, children andother moving or movable objects. These could all be tracked or locatedby use of alternative embodiments of the present invention.

As described previously, in embodiments of the invention the positionidentification device can be incorporated into the article itself and inone embodiment is built into a laptop computer or similar devices.

As also described, properties other than, or additional to, position andlocation may be identified in alternative embodiments of the invention.

It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art thatvariations and combinations of features described above, not beingalternatives or substitutes, can be combined to form yet furtherembodiments falling within the intended scope of the invention.Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilledaddressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

1. A method of controlling a lock wherein a lock includes amicrocontroller arranged to receive data communications and a biaser inoperable communication with the microcontroller that allows the lock toassume a locked and unlocked state, the method comprising the steps ofreceiving a communication in a microcontroller and instructing thebiaser to unlock or lock the lock based on the content of thecommunication.
 2. A method of claim 1, wherein the data communicationsmay be received by Bluetooth, infrared or other wireless means.
 3. Amethod of claim 1, wherein the instructions to the biaser may betransmitted by Bluetooth, infrared or other wireless or wired means. 4.A method of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is operable to processa message having a code, the receipt of which allows the biaser tounlock or lock the lock.
 5. A method of claim 1, wherein themicrocontroller is configured to communicate to a user or nominatedauthority the state of the lock.